Drive roll assembly



c. F. GR Ei NER EFAL 2,386,946

DRIVE ROIJL ASSEMBLY Oct. 16, 1945.

Filed'June 15, 1942 s Sheets-Shea 1 Oct; 16, 1945. c. F. GREVINER ETAL 8 DRIVE ROLL ASSEMBLY,

Filed June 15, 1942 Y s Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 16, 1945. I c. F. GREINER ETAL 12,385,945

DRIVE ROFL ASSEMBLY Filed Ju nel5, 1942 v s Sheets-Sheet :s

Patented Oct. 16, 1945 "UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CarlF..G1:einer. and.John F. Harrison, Springfield, .Ohio, assignors to The Buffalo-Springfield Roller '00., Springfield, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 15, 1942, Serial No. 447,134

7 15 Claims. (01. 180+20) This: invention is a novel drive roll assembly; particularly adapted for use in connection with the drive rolls of tandem roadlrollers; and the principal object of the invention is to provide an assembly presenting certain. advantages with. respect to low cost, manufacturing simplicity, and operating performance.

The particular advantages in using a bevel gear drive for tandem road rollers reside in the elimination of spur gears. and their inherent high cost, and also resides in the provision of a drive having the characteristics of utmost simplicity, the bevel, gear drivepermitting compensating ad- .iustment due to wear of the gears by shifting the axle upon which the drive rollis fixedly mounted, towards or from the bevel driving pinion, thereby maintaining the original efficiency of the. bevel gear drive. Furthermore, said adjustments may be utilizedv to accomnredate manufacturing variations, thus facilitating production and assembly with a resultant reduction of cost.

Another object of our invention is to provide an adjustable bevelgear drive roll assembly permitting take-up for wear in the gear train in or der to keep backlash down to a minimum, excessive back lash. inthe gear train being undesirable. 7'

Other minor objects of the invention will be hereinafter set forth.

We will explain the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several practical embodiments thereof, to enable others familiar with the arttoadopt and use the same; and will summarize in the claims, the novel features of construction, and novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired.

In said drawings:

Fig 1 is a perspective view showing the drive roll of a tandem type road roller, and showing 7 the arran ement of ring gear and bevel driving Fig. 4' is alongitudinal section, similar to Fig.

2, but showing a further modified arrangement in which bearing adjustment is permitted, and in which the axle may be adjusted axially.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the bearing bracket shown in Fig. 4.

6 is a longitudinal section similar to Fig. 4 but showing a modified arrangement of bearings for the axle in which no bearing. adjustment is permitted. but however having means for permitting axial shifting. of the axle.

. Fig. '7 is a. front elevation of the bearing brack et. shown in Fig. 6. 1 r

Fig. 8 is a plan view of one of thespacing shims used in the assemblyshown in. Fig. 6.

As shown in Fig. 1,. the frameofthe tandem road roller, or othervehicle, includes opposite side members A andan end member- B, said members A andB being-preferably heavy channel irons secured together: at their ends in any desired manner to provide-an open rigid frame. Between the side members A, A, is journaled a drive roll C, the. same being fixedly mounted upon axle. D journaled in axle bearing bracketsl mounted upon. the tops of side members A, A. On. the end plate C (Figs- 1 and 2) of roll C is a bevel ring gearE meshing with a bevelpinion F on the main drive shaft journ-aled in a housing G mounted upon .the adjacent sidemember A, said pinionlibeing driven through suitable clutch. and speed change gears from a motor or-engine in the-usual. manner, the said housin G bein fixedly mounted upon side member A. r

As shown in. Figs. 2 and 3 eachaxle bearing bracket, 1' is provided .with aflat base portion Ia adapted to seat directly upon the top of the side member A, and is provided with as depending flange lb adapted toengage the wehoi the'side member, flange l b being provided withholesfor the reception oi rivets 2 or the like whereby I brackets. l, are fixedly-secured in position.-

. In each bearing bracket 1 above base la is a relatively large outwardl opening circular recess Idhaving a smaller opening is at its inner end. into which extendsthe end of axle D- upon which the roll C is welded. said axle D havin areduced end D upon which is, mounted a. tapered roller bearing .3, such as a Timken hearing, the inner i g being seated directly upon the reduced ex-- tension D with its inner endengaging the shou1- der D2 formed between the portions DandDQ; and the outer ring slidably engaging .the walls of the circular recess Id. The outer portion of the circular recess |'d is internally threaded as at If and adapted to receive a; cup-shaped cap 4 having external threads Ea adapted to enga e the threads; If, the inner end of the cap i -being adapted to contact the outer face of the outer ring. of the bearing 3 as shown Fig. 2*,and for this purpose-the innerend' o: the can 4 is provided an annular recess 4bin its. outer periphery.v

Projecting from the outer face of cap 4 is a hexagonal or other non-circular nut portion 40 whereby cap 4 may be rotated within the bearing bracket I; and in order to lock cap 4 in adjusted position a set screw is preferably provided in a tapped bore in th'e bearing bracket I adjacent its outer end, said screw 5 beingadaptedto engage the recess 4b of the cap and lock the cap in adjusted position.

By the above construction the tapered roller bearing 3 is maintained in axial position within the annular recess Id of bearing bracket I, the same being confined betweenthe shoulder D2 of axle D and the inner end of cap 4; Suchassema bly permits compensation for adjustment of wear of the gears E and .F by shifting the axle D and the drive roll C mounted thereon to take up any wear, thus restoring the original efiiciency which the bevel gear drive had when new. When it is desired to adjust the clearance between the gears E and F it is merely necessary to loosen the set screws 5 and rotate the caps 4 to shift the caps 4 at each end of the axle in the same direction, thereby moving the axle and drive roll towards or from the drive pinion F, and when the desired degree of clearance has been obtained the set screws 5 are again tightened, th'e length of the cap 4 permitting substantial adjustment. When the set screws 5are screwed in place the caps 4 will be maintained in any position to which they are adjusted. Moreover, said means permits adjustments to accommodate manufacturing variations, thus facilitating production and assembly with the resultant reduction in cost.

If both caps 4 are shifted in their bearings the same amount and in the same direction, no change in the adjustment of tapered roller hearing 3 will be made. However. if desired to take up wear in the bearing 3 itself without shifting the axle D, it is merely necessary to rotate one of the caps 4 so as to shift same towards its related bearing 3; and thus take up for wear in the tapered roller bearin 3 may be readily accomplished. The above arrangement thus permits axial shift of the axle and roll C together with bearing adjustment; and the construction is simple and efficient.

In the modification shown in Figs. 4 and 5 each bracket l is similarly provided with a base l a and the depending flange lb which is secured by rivets or bolts 2 to the side member A. However, the bearing bracket lis provided with a relatively large threaded bore lg extending entirely through the bracket and adapted to receivea' cup-sh'aped bearing carrier 6 having threads 6a on its periphery engaging the threads lg of bracket l, carrier 6 also'having' on its outer end a hexagonal or non-circular nut 61) whereby the carrier may be rotated in its bracket l.

Preferably the walls of carrier 6 are substantially coextensive with the length of the threaded bore lg but the threads 6a are omitted at the inner end of the carrier 6 in way of the set screw 5. At the inner end of carrier 6 is a ring 1 of greater internal diameter than the diameter of axle D, said ring I being secured to the inner end of carrier 6 by means of screws 8 or the like passing through flange la and into the end of the carrier, Ring 1 is slidable withinan outer bore 6 1 of carrier 6 and is provided with an internal annular recess 10 forming a continuation of an inner bore 6a: in carrier 6. The axle D, upon which the drive roll C is pinned, by pins 02, extends into the carrier 6 through the ring 1, axle assaeac D having its reduced portion D disposed within the carrier.

Upon the reduced portion D, within the carrier 6, are opposed tapered roller bearings 9 and Ill similar to hearing 3 of Fig. 2, said bearings 9 and I0 having a common inner race maintained on the reduced portion D' by engagement of the inner end of the inner race with the shoulder D2 of axle D, and by engagement of the outer end of the inner race with a plate ll secured to the end of axle D by means of a screws l2 passing through plate ll and into tapped bores in the end of the axle. The outer race of outer bearing 9, engages a shoulder Be in the bore 6a: of cap 6 which receives the outer race of hearing 9, while the outer race of bearing l9 engages a shoulder lb at the end of the internal annular recess la in the wall of the ring 1 within which recess the outer race of bearing I0 is received The larger ends of the rollers of both roller bearings 9 and Ill are disposed adjacent each other as shown in Fig. 4. Thus the common inner race of bearings 9 and I0 is maintained in constant fixed. relation upon the reduced portion D of axle D, While the outer races of bearings 9 and Ill-may be shifted towards each other upon adjustment of ring I by the screws or bolts 8; and as the outer race of bearing 9 will be shifted towards the larger ends of the rollers of bearing 9 and the outer race of the bearing ll] will be shifted towards the larger ends of the rollers of bearing l9, adjustment of the bearings 9 and ID for wear may be readily effected by shifting collar 1 to compress the outer races between the shoulders 6s and lb. Moreover, the axle D, together with the roll 0, may be shifted axially by loosening set screws 5 and rotating the carriers 6 at opposite ends of the axle to shift same equal amounts in the same direction in their axle bearings l, the set screws 5 being afterwards again tightened.

In Figs. 6, 7 and 8 a modification of the assembly is illustrated using opposed tapered roller bearings so arranged that no adjustment of the bearings is permissible (as in Figs. 2 and 4) although the axle and drive roll may be shifted to properly adjust the bevel gear drive. In this modification the drive roll C is keyed as at C4 between spacing pins G5 on axle D. The bore l h in bearing l'is cylindrical and smooth, instead of being thrwded (as in Figs. 2 and 4), and the walls of the bearing carrier 6 are likewise smooth and slidably engage the bore lb. The inner end of carrier 5 is provided with a ring 1 secured by bolts 8; and each ring I is provided with a shoulder lb engaging theinner end of the common outer race of the opposed tapered roller bearings 9:1: and lllzr which raceis confined within the carrier 6 between the shoulder lb of ring 1 and the end 63 of bore Sr of the carrier 6 whereby the common outer race of bearings 93: and Illa: is maintained in fixed relation with respect to the carrier 6.

In this modification (Figs. 6, '7, 8), the smaller ends ofthe tapered rollers of bearings 91: and H11: are adjacent; and the separate inner races of the bearings are spaced by'a collar interposed therebetween, the outer ends of the inner races respectively engaging the shoulder D2 of the axle and the plate ll which is secured by bolts or screws IE to the end of reduced portion D of the axle. Thus the inner recess of bearings 93: andl 9:: are fixed upon the reduced portion D of axle D while the common outer race of said bearings is fixed within the carrier 6, and henceno adjustment of. thebearings; 9a:- and tan is permittedinthis modification v i 1 linthis modification (Figs 6, 7,8) theouter face of each bearing 1 is provided with a plurality of threaded bores; I disposed in equally spaced relation around the bore in and. the outer hence determining the addmstment. of: the axle D roll C in the frame of the; road roller. Each arcuateshim. [5 has a semi-circular recess-c at each, end to receive half. the thielmessgit-the diametrically opposite bolts [4 or the carrier which bolts It are. shownin Fig. '2 asbeing spaced apart on a common pitchcircle; alsera central inwardly openingslot 15b to receive the corresponding bolt. hi and two intermediate inwardly opening slots to receive the corresponding bolts M, the slots (5a, i511 and l fic being so disposed that. the shims I 5 may, bereadilx inserted and. removed from the. position between thefiange Ba. and bearing I, notwithstanding the bolts, M. since all the slots 15?), the open in the same direction and their side. walls. are. disposed normal to a line drawn through the. axes. of the two slots 15a; Thus two. opposed. shims iii may be inserted horizontallyirom opposite directions between the flanges. 5d and hearing I. to. form. a circular washer without interference, withthc series of bolts. i l, andtlsie. sides of theslots 1512, E50 bein horizontal will prevent. same. from dropping down until the bolts 14 are. tightened. Thus, Wheninserting orremoving aset, of slams 15 it is not necessary to dismantle the assembly.

The assembly shown in Figs, 6,7,, 8 also. permits axial shifting of, axle, D and drive rollC by adjusting. the carriers 6 at the opposite ends of axle D equal amounts in the same directionhbut no bearing adjustment of bearings, Sr and was is permitted. Bearings such as Bandit] of Fig.4

however might be used in the assembly shown in 5 Figs. 6, 8 which would permit bearing adjustment.

Suitable grease retaining means may be providedfor preventing, grease or lubricant from passing out of the assemblies along the axle D,

such means being well known in the art.

Our novel drive roll assemblies each permits take up for wear in the bevel gear train E, F, whereby excessive and undesirable back lash may be kept to a. minimum, or may be eliminated; and in Figs. 2-5 inclusive, adjustment of the tapered roller bearings 3, 9 and it! may in addition be efiected. Manufacturing variations can thus be accommodated, and our designs provide extremely quick economical and practical means for effecting the foregoing adjustment without having to dismantle the assemblies.

We do not limit our invention to the exact forms shown in the drawings, for obviously changes may be made therein within the scope of the claims.

. We claim:

1. In combination with a road roller of the tandem type having side frames, and having a transmission driving a drive shaft disposed adjacent one side irame-,. said. drive shaft carry-mg a bevel driver pinion; bearing brackets carried by the side frames; an axle journaled in said brafikets; a driveroll fixedly mounted on said axle; a bevel ring; gear on the end of. said roll, meshing with said bevel drive pinion; and means for shifting th axle. and roll carriedthereo-n to adjust the clearance between said bevel ring gear and bevel pinion.

2". In a, combination as set forth in claim l, said brackets having bores extending therethrough and said. axle. having reduced end portions; disposed within the bores; tapered roller bearings on said reduced axle portions slidably engaging the bores; the inner races of the bearings contacting the shoulders at the inner ends of the reduced portions; the outer ends of the bores being threaded; and saidshifting means comprising threaded. caps in the threaded ends of-the bores having their inner ends contacting the outer races of the roller bearings; and means for locking the caps in adjusted position in said bores.

3. In a combination as set forth inclaim 1, said brackets having tapped bores extending therethrough; said shifting means comprising exteriorly threaded bearing carriers in said bores; said axle having reduced end portions within said car riers; a'p'air of opposed tapered roller bearings fixedly mounted on eachsaid reduced end portion and'fix'edly mounted in its related carrier; and means for locking: said carriers in adjusted positions in said bores. 4 In .a combination as set forth in claim '1 sai brackets having bores extending therethrough; said shifting means comprising bearing carriers slidably mounted in saidbores, said carriers hav ingexternal flanges overlying the outer faces of the brackets; an annular series of screws ex tendtng' through the flanges into the brackets; saidaxle having reduced end portions within the carriers; a'pair'of opposed tapered roller bear ings fixedly mounted on each said reduced axle portion and fixedly mounted in its related carrier? and spacers interposed between the flanges and outer faces of thebrackets'.

5. In combination with a road roller of the tandem type having side frames and having a transmission driving a drive shaft disposed adjacent one side frame, said drive shaft carrying a bevel drive pinion; bearing brackets carried by the side framesyan axle journaled' insaid brackets; a drive roll fixedly mounted on said axle; a bevel ringgear on'the endio'fthe roll meshing with the bevel drive pinion; said brackets having bores extending therethrough, said axle having reduced end portions disposed within the bores; tapered roller bearings on said reduced axle portions slidably engaging the bores; the inner races of the bearings contacting the shoulders at the inner ends of the reduced portions; the outer ends of the bores being threaded; threaded caps in the threaded ends of the bores having their inner ends contacting the outer races of the roller bearings; and means for locking the caps in adjusted position in said bores.

6. In a combination as set forth in claim 5, said locking means comprising set screws extending through the brackets and engagin the inner ends of said caps; the threads on said caps being omitted in way of said screws. 7

7. In a combination as set forth in claim 5, said locking means comprising set screws extending through the brackets and engaging the inner ends of said caps; the threads on said caps being omitted in way of said screws; the outer ends of the caps being closed, and non-circular nut portions projecting axially therefrom.

8. In combination with a road roller of the tandem type having side frames and having a transmission driving a drive shaft disposed adjacent one side frame, said drive .shaft carrying a bevel drive pinion; bearing brackets on the-side frames; an axle journaled in said brackets; a drive roll fixedly mounted on said axle; a bevel bevel drive pinion; said brackets having tapped bores extending therethrough, exteriorly threaded bearing carriers in saidbores; said axle having reduced'end portions within said carriers; a pair of opposed tapered roller bearings fixedly mounted on each said reduced end portion and fixedly mounted in its related carrier; and means for locking said carriers in adjusted position in said bores. j

9. In a combination as set forth in claim 8, said carriers each having a pair ofstepped bores therein, a ring, slidably mounted in the one stepped bore and having an internal annular recess forming a continuation of the other stepped bore; the outer races of the pair of bearings being mounted in said inner bore and annular recess respectively; means for shifting each ring to compress the outer races of the related pair of bear ings together; and a member On the end of the axle positioning the inner races of the pair of bearings on the reduced end portion.

10. In a combination, as set forth in claim 8; said carriers each having a pair of stepped bores therein, aring slidably mounted in the larger stepped bore and having an internal annular recess formin a continuation of the smaller stepped bore; the outer races of the pair of bearings being mounted in said smaller bore and annular recess respectively; said ring having an annular flange overlying a face of the carrier; bolts extending'through the flange and into the carrier whereby when the bolts are tightened the outer races of the related pair of bearings will be compressed together; and a member on the end of the axle confining the inner'races of the pair of bearings on the reduced end portion.

11. In a combination asset forth in claim 8, each of said carriers'being closed at its'outer end and having a non-circular nut portion projecting axially therefrom; each carrier'having a pair of stepped bores therein, a ring slidably mounted in the larger stepped bore and having an internal annular recess forming a continuation of :the smaller stepped bore; the outer races of the pair 5 carrier whereby when the bolts are tightened the outer races will be compressed together; and a member on the end of the axle confining the inner races of the bearings on the reduced end portion. 7

1o 12. In a combination as set forth in claim 8, ring gear on the end of the roll meshing with the said locking means comprising set screws extending through the brackets and engaging the inner ends of said carriers; the threads on said carriers being omitted in way of said screws.

13. In a combination as set forth in claim 8,

ends of the carriers being closed, and non-circular nut portions projecting axially therefrom.

14. In combination with a road roller of the tandem type having side frames and having a transmission driving a drive shaft disposed adjacent one side frame; said drive shaft carrying a bevel drive pinion; bearing brackets on the side frames; an axle journaled in said brackets; a drive roll fixedly mounted on said axle; a bevel ring gear on the end of the roll meshing with the bevel drive pinion; safd brackets having bores extending therethrough, bearing carriers slidably mounted in said bores, said carriers having external flanges overlying the outer faces of the brackets; an annular series of screws extending through the flanges into the brackets; said axlehaving reduced end portions within the carriers; a pair, of opposed tapered roller bearings fixedly mounted on each said reduced end portion and fixedly mounted in its related carrier; and spacers interposed between the flanges and outer faces of the brackets.

15. In a combination as set forth in claim 14, said spacers comprising shims consisting of a pair of arcuate shim sections adapted to abut in opposed relation on a line extending between two diametrically opposite screws of the series; semicircular bolt receiving slots in the meeting ends of said sections; and other bolt receiving slots in said sections having their side walls disposed nor- 

